Eastside (Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Issaquah) Christmas Dinner

[janedoe67]

I am done trying to get all of the people from my office to come to my side of the pond (Seattle) for our annual Christmas gathering. We have a small office (about 10 of us including significant others) and we are looking for a great place on the Eastside for our office Christmas dinner. We have done Jak's in Issaquah and Daniel's in Bellevue many times. They are both good, but we want to mix it up a bit. Last year we had a room at Magglano's Little Italy (Lincoln Square in Bellevue). It wasn't bad but I'd rather go somewhere that wasn't a national chain.

Places I was considering: Biz on Main? Cafe Juanita? Any Others?

The Restaurant MUST have a full bar. Thank you in advance for your suggestions!

[bighound]

why are we replying to a post originally placed in 2006?

[smoledman]

Because the issue is relevant to those of us who live on the Eastside? Sure some look down on necro-ing threads but why waste hard drive space?

[Mark Nobe]

Cafe Juanita and Seastar are great restaurants that are suggested here quite often, but if you would like to take your friends someplace they don’t hear about everyday go to the Iris Grill in Issaquah as suggested below. The food is very good and the staff always reminds us why they call it the “Hospitality” industry.

[dinkydog]

You might take a look at Hector's in downtown Kirkland.

[amyb]

My choice would be Cafe Juanita or Seastar depending on what you're in the mood for.

[ethereal]

Also, a new BluWater Bistro just opened in the Cucina space at Carillon Point.

[tbilisi]

Iris Grill in Issaquah. They have full bar, excellent menu, and a set-aside area for groups. We had a sit down dinner for several dozen of us one year and it was superb.

[ethereal]

Depending on the ambiance you're going for, Golf Club at Newcastle could be nice at the holidays.

Tosoni's isn't particularly good for groups, but the food is good.

[davidmcarson]

Tosoni's is definitely nice for small groups, but anything more than 8 people is definitely difficult for them to accommodate. Love their food though. Best fine dining restaurant on the Eastside IMHO.

[rockdoggydog]

How about Pomegranate?

[davidmcarson]

The Pomegranate Bistro is closed for remodeling (open again in January) which makes me sad and happy at the same time. They're adding a bar and a private dining room for groups. Should be pretty cool when it's done, but not having their coffee regularly is making me cranky. :)

[wormatwork]

I second the Seastar recommendation. Cafe Juanita is great as well. I'd also consider Mixtura in Kirkland.
http://mixtura.biz/

[landrover2085]

Seastar is always solid. I've been to Mixtura several times and had a great experience. I really liked the smoked octopus tapas.

[ethanlowry]

I used to work in the Civica Commons building in Bellevue. Seastar is located on the ground floor, and it's surprisingly good - I think the best in downtown Bellevue. They definitely have a bar, and they're set up for groups.
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/6672/Bell...

Of course, Cafe Juanita is my favorite restaurant in the whole Seattle area...